‘People think I’m faking blindness’ – Julio Supercharge speaks out on stigma and online abuse
Visually impaired digital content creator and advocate Julius Mbura, widely known as Julio Supercharge, has opened up about the stigma and misconceptions he faces because of his visual impairment.
In a candid interview with K24 Digital, Julio said that sharing his day-to-day life and passion as a content creator on social media has exposed him to criticism.
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He says that despite living a vibrant and active life, many people doubt the authenticity of his blindness.
“Very much so, especially since I live a public life on social media, sharing my passions: cars, cooking, driving, riding motorbikes, skating, cycling,
hiking,” Julio shared.
” I challenge the norm of what people think blind people “should be”. Because I embrace independence, confidence, and even fashion, people sometimes can’t believe I’m blind.”
He explained that his independence, confidence, and walking upright sometimes make people question his condition.
The advocate further disclosed that his eyes show no signs of blindness because his condition affected the back of the eyes.
“My eyes show no signs of blindness, since my condition affects the back of the eye. My body posture and movements are deliberate,” he added.
“I’m intentional about walking upright and presenting myself with confidence. That, plus doing daring activities, makes some people think I’m faking blindness.”
Cyberbullying
The digital content creator also revealed that he faced cyberbullying and online abuse, with many comments accusing him of pretending or being a fraud.
“I’ve faced stigma and cyberbullying. Many comments accuse me of pretending or being a fraud. But I take it positively; I know people are conditioned to see persons with disabilities as fragile or inferior,” Julio disclosed.
Through his candidness, Julio aims to inspire a broader understanding of disability, highlighting that living with a visual impairment does not limit ambition, confidence, or the pursuit of daring passions.
“I use those moments to educate. Sometimes I reply to comments to challenge people’s mindsets. I want to shift perceptions, to show that disability does not define how we must act, look, or think,” he added.
Ending stigma
Furthermore, Julio noted that his openness has gone a long way in shifting public attitudes.
He explained that through his online content, he demonstrates hacks showing how blind people live independently.
My openness has gone a long way. Through my “Blind Corner” segment, I show hacks of how blind people live independently. Many people comment that I inspire them or that I’ve educated them about things they never knew.
This not only educates the wider society but also gives confidence to others who are visually impaired. It liberates them to live openly, even to start creating their own content. It shows both sides, that we can live fulfilling lives, and that society must change how it perceives disability.
